Industrial development did not depend on land area. A reasonably balanced resource structure, a sufficient population, and a stable external environment—those were enough.
And the continent... no, forget the entire continent. Even just Castel and the Northern Territory could meet all those conditions. In theory, Theus did not even need to conquer the Empire.
As for the South Continent?
Setting aside how difficult it would be to conquer, even if they really did take it, how were they supposed to govern it across two oceans?
There was no need to think about it. The cost of ruling it would be absurdly high.
What was Jules going crazy about this time, asking him to discuss that?
Considering that Jules had always seemed mad but was actually capable of remarkably farsighted moves, Theus sighed and began arranging personnel to take part in the negotiations.
Jules did not keep him waiting long. Three days later, a temporary negotiation site had been set up along the border where the two armies faced off.
Neither side brought many people. Jules had only brought Hela, while Theus's side consisted of Little Gwen, Chloe, and Worker Theus.
Chloe was not afraid of dying. Her soul was now anchored within [Cocoon], and what was here was merely a shell.
Worker Theus needed no explanation—he was already dead.
As for Little Gwen...
According to her, even if she were killed, she would revive from the White Calamity in the form of the White Bone Sanctuary.
Simply put, none of the three feared death...
Theus's side trusted Jules about as little as possible. The three of them had even arrived in a self-propelled artillery vehicle, with several extra layers of armor plates specially welded onto the outside. Even Jules could barely keep a straight face at the sight.
"Do you